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Embodied simulation: from mirror neuron systems to interpersonal relations.

Vittorio Gallese¹

¹Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università di Parma, Via Volturno 39, 43100 Parma, Italy.

Novartis Foundation Symposium

|January 12, 2007

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Embodied simulation, involving mirror neurons, allows direct experiential understanding of others by modeling their behaviors and feelings as our own. This mechanism transforms the "objectual other" into "another self" through shared neural states.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Science
Social Psychology

Background:

Understanding others' experiences is fundamental to social interaction.
Previous theories proposed cognitive mechanisms for empathy and social cognition.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the mechanism of direct 'experiential understanding' of others.
To identify the role of embodied simulation and mirror neurons in social cognition.

Main Methods:

The study proposes a theoretical framework based on embodied simulation.
It posits that mirror neurons are the neural basis for this mechanism.
The mechanism involves mapping observed behaviors and feelings to the observer's own internal states.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

Embodied simulation allows observers to internally represent the body states associated with observed actions, emotions, and sensations.
Mirror neuron systems facilitate this by mapping intentional relations in a shared neural state.
This process effectively makes the 'objectual other' experienced as 'another self'.

Conclusions:

Direct experiential understanding is achieved through embodied simulation.
Mirror neurons are crucial neural correlates for this mechanism.
Shared neural states across individuals underpin empathy and social connection.